Frequently Asked Questions

Hospice is a philosophy of care that places the needs and wishes of the individual above the disease, emphasizing comfort, dignity, and the highest possible quality of life. It is a holistic approach that recognizes the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of both the patient and their loved ones. Hospice care provides a coordinated, compassionate support system, bringing together a team of professionals—including physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and trained volunteers—who work together to manage symptoms, provide emotional support, and offer guidance through complex decisions. The goal of hospice is to create an environment where patients can live as fully as possible, in the place they call home, surrounded by the care, understanding, and meaningful connections that make each day valuable for both patients and their families.

Hospice care is available to individuals who have a serious, life-limiting illness and a prognosis of approximately six months or less if the disease follows its usual course. Eligibility is determined by a physician in collaboration with the patient and family, and includes consideration of the patient’s overall health, medical needs, and goals for care. Hospice is appropriate for a wide range of illnesses, including cancer, heart, lung, or kidney disease, Alzheimer’s or other dementias, and chronic neurological or progressive conditions.

Hospice care may be appropriate when a patient is experiencing a progression of chronic or serious illness that affects their daily functioning and quality of life. Signs can include frequent hospitalizations or emergency room visits, difficulty performing activities of daily living such as eating, dressing, walking, or using the bathroom, progressive weight loss, changes in mental or cognitive abilities, increased confusion, or a significant rise in falls. Other indicators may include persistent pain or symptoms that are difficult to manage, increased dependence on caregivers, fatigue, shortness of breath, or a noticeable decline in overall physical or emotional well-being. Hospice provides specialized, compassionate care to address these challenges, focusing on comfort, dignity, and meaningful support for both patients and their families.

Hospice provides a comprehensive approach to care, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Services may include nursing care, medications, medical equipment, personal care assistance, social work support, counseling, chaplain services, volunteer support, and family education. Each patient receives a personalized plan of care designed to ensure comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

Our hospice is committed to providing timely care when it is needed most. We are able to admit patients the same day that a hospice order is received from a physician, ensuring immediate support, symptom management, and guidance for both patients and their families. This rapid response helps maximize comfort and quality of life from the very start of hospice care.

Hospice care prioritizes comfort and quality of life. Our team of skilled professionals monitors and manages pain and other distressing symptoms using medications, therapies, and supportive interventions tailored to each patient. The goal is to ensure that patients remain as comfortable and alert as possible, while maintaining dignity and control over their care.

Hospice recognizes that serious illness affects not only the body but also the mind and spirit. Patients and families have access to counseling, chaplain services, support groups, and trained volunteers who provide companionship, emotional support, and guidance. These services help patients and families navigate the challenges of serious illness and find meaning, comfort, and connection during this stage of life.

Hospice services are typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. For eligible patients, these programs often cover 100% of hospice-related services, including medications, equipment, and professional care, with no deductible or copayment. Our team can help review your insurance benefits and guide you through the process to ensure access to comprehensive care without financial stress.

Caritas hospice services are designed to meet patients wherever they call home. Care can be provided in an individual’s private residence, a long-term care or assisted living facility, a skilled nursing facility, or any other setting that is appropriate for the patient’s needs. Our goal is to ensure comfort, support, and personalized care in the environment that is most familiar and meaningful to each patient.

Family members play an essential role in hospice care. They may assist with daily activities, provide companionship, and participate in care planning. Hospice also offers support and guidance to caregivers, including training on symptom management, emotional support, and respite services to help prevent burnout. Our team works closely with families to ensure they feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout the care process.

Your primary care physician or specialist is encouraged to remain actively involved throughout your hospice care. Our Hospice Physician works closely with your doctor—who knows your medical history, preferences, and needs best—to develop a comprehensive, individualized plan of care. This collaboration ensures that all aspects of your health, including symptom management, medication needs, and ongoing medical concerns, are carefully addressed. By maintaining open communication between your hospice team and your personal physicians, we provide coordinated, seamless care that supports your comfort, dignity, and overall well-being while respecting your established medical relationships.

Enrollment in hospice is flexible and designed to meet the changing needs of patients and their families. While hospice focuses on comfort and quality of life, patients may choose to discontinue services at any time for a variety of reasons, such as resuming aggressive curative treatments, pursuing experimental therapies, or personal preferences regarding care. Should circumstances change, patients are welcome to re-enroll in hospice if appropriate, ensuring they continue to receive specialized, compassionate support. This flexibility allows patients and families to make decisions that best align with their evolving goals, priorities, and medical needs, without feeling locked into a single path of care.

One of the most common misconceptions about hospice is that it is simply “where you go to die.” In truth, hospice is not about giving up—it is about living as fully and comfortably as possible during life’s final chapter. When curative treatments are no longer effective, hospice becomes the “something more” that can be done: expert medical care, emotional support, and compassionate presence for both the patient and their loved ones. Our goal is to help each person experience the best possible days, filled with comfort, dignity, and meaningful moments, for as long as they are able.

No. Choosing hospice is not about giving up—it is about focusing on comfort, quality of life, and meaningful experiences. Studies have shown that patients with certain illnesses may even live longer with hospice care compared to those who do not receive it. By receiving expert care in the place they call home, patients can enjoy a more comfortable, supported, and fulfilling experience during this stage of life.

No. While hospice care in the United States began in the 1970s primarily serving patients with cancer, today it serves individuals with a wide variety of life-limiting illnesses. Many patients in hospice have conditions such as advanced heart, lung, or kidney disease, progressive neurological disorders, Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, stroke, or late-stage chronic illnesses. Hospice is designed to provide compassionate, personalized care that addresses not only physical symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue, but also emotional, social, and spiritual needs. The hospice team—including physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and trained volunteers—works together to support both patients and their families, helping them maintain dignity, comfort, and meaningful quality of life regardless of diagnosis.

While hospice generally focuses on comfort rather than curative treatments, patients may choose to discontinue or pause hospice if they decide to resume aggressive or experimental therapies. If circumstances change, re-enrollment is possible, ensuring that patients continue to receive compassionate, personalized support as their care needs evolve.

Hospice continues to support families even after the loss of a loved one. Bereavement services may include grief counseling, support groups, follow-up calls, and resources to help families cope with their loss. Our team remains available to guide and comfort families through the grieving process, ensuring they do not feel alone during this difficult time.

Our hospice services are provided in settings where patients feel most comfortable and at home, such as private residences, assisted living, long-term care, or skilled nursing facilities. We do not provide hospice care in hospital settings. In all care environments we serve, our team works closely with patients, families, and facility staff to ensure comprehensive support, symptom management, and compassionate attention.